After the Revolutionary War…

2

The country is a mess…

• States were not united

• National Government = Broke

• No Army!

• And all because of our nation’s 1st constitution…– A GROUP OF FARMERS ALMOST

TAKE OVER THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS!!!

3

Why were the Articles of Confederation so weak?

AoC writers disliked… So under the AoC…

Taxation without representation

The federal government could not tax

Having to follow British legislation

States had their own laws and didn’t have to follow

other states’ laws

Lots of power was in the king’s hands

No executive branch leader (President)

The king could change laws at any time

Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval

4

What was the Problem?

• No taxes = no money…no war debts being paid

• State government more power than national government

• 13 mini countries rather than 13 United States...

• No army for defense• No leadership figure to take control

5

What was the Problem?

• No President…Leader of the army• Since there was no executive branch and

national court system, the government could not enforce its laws

• Any amendment required all 13 states’ approval, so the AoC was very difficult to modify

6

Please read – Passage about Shay’s Rebellion

• Answer questions to follow reading in your small groups

• Did ALL Americans think the Articles of Confederation were too weak?

• How did Americas react to Shays’ Rebellion?

Shays Rebellion Summary

Shays’ Rebellion- 1787

• During war more food needed• Farmers expanded farms with loans• After war demand for food is down• Massachusetts- 1787…2,000 farmers almost

took over state because they were being jailed and having land taken

• Many farmers had fought in war• Many never paid by government for fighting

Shays’ Rebellion Continued

• Daniel Shays leads rebellion.• No national army = relay on militia to stop

him• Shays’ Rebellion proves the Articles of

Confederation is a failing constitution

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